Boris Becker feels Alexander Zverev can win the French Open

Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev will once again lock horns in today’s quarterfinal clash at the Rome Masters. Both players also met in the quarters of Madrid Masters last week, where the German stunned the Spaniard in two sets.

Although Nadal is a nine-time winner in Rome, the 24-year-old will fancy his chances of shocking the 34-year-old for the second consecutive time on the clay. A rare feat achieved by Novak Djokovic and Fabio Fognini in the past.

Both Nadal and Zvevev also had to battle hard in their previous rounds. While the King of Clay came back to beat Denis Shapovalov from the brink yesterday, Zverev too had to come back from a one set deficit to beat Kei Nishikori.

Meanwhile, former Wimbledon winner, Boris Becker informed Eurosport that given Zverev’s current form, he can go on to win the upcoming French Open. “Not everyone can beat Nadal the way Zverev did in Madrid. Sascha can win the French Open.”

Becker not optimistic about Djokovic and Thiem

Becker further commented on World No.1, Novak Djokovic and World No.4, Dominic Thiem. As per the former World No.1, both players are not in the best shape and might struggle at Roland Garros. While the Serb is through to the quarters in Rome, where he will take on Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Austrian was ousted by Lorezo Sonego in a three-set thriller last evening.

Zverev and Nadal will kick off their clash around 3.30pm IST, and although the 2020 US Open runner-up has beaten the 20-time Grand Slam on clay a week ago, conditions in the Eternal City might be very different to what was on offer at Caja Majica.

“He’s one of the biggest competitors in the world. It’s going to be a tough battle. There is a big difference in the conditions between Madrid and Rome,” Zverev concluded.

Also read: WATCH: Novak Djokovic says sorry and apologizes for outburst against umpire

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